August 17, 2005 (Rochester, New York) – WXXI Public Broadcasting and Verizon Wireless are asking attendees of the Speaking of Women's Health (SWH) Conference, held Friday, September 16, 2005 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, to donate their old cell phones to the Verizon Wireless HopeLineSM program. Verizon Wireless will refurbish, recycle or sell the collected phones. Proceeds from the sale of the phones are used to provide phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence and to provide funding to domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies. Collection boxes will be placed throughout the conference that day.

Speaking of Women’s Health Conference, a national women’s health event, is presented in Rochester by WXXI Public Broadcasting, and is sponsored locally by Strong Health, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Senator Joseph Robach, PHA Health, Wellness and Fitness Centers, WHAM TV-13, WHAM 1180, Mix 100.5 and Verizon Wireless. The day-long conference includes national speakers, health screenings, a continental breakfast, fabulous luncheon, and a luxurious gift bag for every attendee. This year’s health initiatives are sexuality, sponsored by P&G; osteoporosis, sponsored by Actonel; and beauty sponsored by L’Oreal Paris and Maybelline New York/Garnier. Conference attendees will have the opportunity to talk with more than a dozen local health care professionals from Strong Health about their health, wellness and lifestyle. In addition, SWH will have more than 12 breakout sessions on topics including nutrition and diet, Tai Chi, diabetes, ovarian cancer and self defense.

Marking its 10th year in 2005, Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally friendly way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants.

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The National Speaking of Women’s Health Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, whose mission is “to educate women to make informed decisions about their health, well-being and personal safety.” Founded in 1996, Speaking of Women’s Health ® (SWH) hosts more than 40 conferences and events across the country, educating and empowering women in a pampering environment. The national foundation works with community hospitals and organizations at a grassroots level, and reinvests into local women’s health through Community Investment Grants. SWH includes two Minority Health Programs – Universal Sisters and Hablando de la Salud de la Mujer; community events and education centers with free health brochures in Wal-Mart stores nationwide; and a weekly television show, Lifetime’s Speaking of Women’s Health. Please visit www.speakingofwomenshealth.com or call 1-866-SWH-INFO for more information.

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